Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 symphonic_tempest Feb 18, 2009 14:09:32	First-time Artificer, going for Wandificer blasting and buffing goodness. Str 14, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 14 (level 4 and 8 points went to Str and Int) 1 Point Blank Shot 1 Precise Shot (human) 3 Quicken Spell 4 Extraordinary Artisan 6 Energy Substitution (which?) 8 Energy Admixture (??) 9 Wand Mastery Advice appreciated - the two archery feats seem necessary, as there's three melee PCs in my group, but it still seems like a large investment for what I get out of it. Metamagic feats, I have little idea what the best element is, or if there's a better selection of feats for wand blasting/buffing. And then, what wands to make? Scorching Ray, Magic Missile, and an Orb spell or two for main offense? The other thing is that all the caster level mods for various are hella confusing to me. If I want to make a wand of Energy Admixtured Scorching Ray, that's a level 6 spell, therefore requiring CL 11 to craft, which I can do at lvl 9 as an Artificer. Then I can only use it as CL 9, except that Wand Mastery bumps me back up to CL 11. So for a UMD check of 20, I get 6 rays, 3 4d6 fire, and 3 4d6 of the other element, with 6 rolls to hit, for one wand charge. Is that right? Edit: Oh wait, that spell level's already too high to put in a wand to begin with, isn't it? What about an Orb spell? Quickened Acid Orb would be spell level 8, which would mean I couldn't craft it at all at lvl 9, right? I've browsed the main Artificer threads, but some advice on the best blasting and buffing spells for wands and scrolls would be much appreciated.
#2 the_messenger Feb 22, 2009 9:42:18	Honestly, drop the two archery feats, I reckon. If you're going for a buffer/blaster, you'll be making touch attacks most of the time. Scorching ray, for example, is a touch attack, thus the -4 penalty for shooting into combat never really applies. Extend Spell is also a good one if you plan to buff lots. A single level dip into cleric and taking the Magic domain nets you pretty much every spell in the game. A single level dip into Psychic Warrior nets you a large range of buffing powers, and if you take the variant presented in Mind's Eye, get the Magic Mantle, and you can now put powers into wands, which is always handy. Also, you get armour and weapon proficiencies, which is always good. Though going into Psion might be better for buffs. PrC-wise, the Cannith Wand Adept from Sharn is always worth a look. The ability to wield two wands at once is always an advantage. Buff with one, blast with the other. Other than that, I wouldn't really have a clue. Though you could take the Dragonmark Heir template with Denieth. Good for buffing/protecting allies. YMMV.